MacBook Air: New Model Rumored to Hit Apple Stores Tuesday

Apple is rumored to be all ready to introduce a new version of the MacBook Air in the very near future – as in Tuesday – and the new model is said to have a faster core processor but retain the same design.

"Another source adds that Apple stores are scheduled to re-arrange the placement of Macs in stores to focus on the MacBook Air (Tuesday) morning," 9to5Mac.com reported.

The MacBook Airs are rumored to have Intel's latest Haswell chips, which would make the notebooks faster.

"While a milestone MacBook Air update with a thinner profile, no fan, and a Retina display is in the works, tomorrow's update is not that computer," the report said.

The reported codenames of the new models are not much different from the original SKUs of the MacBook Airs, suggesting the new model has minor changes. It's unclear whether the Cupertino, Calif.-based tech giant will even announce the new model.

"Tomorrow's 11-inch and 13-inch Airs are codenamed J41A and J43A, respectively and their SKUs are simply a variation to the current MacBook Air SKU labels. For example, the entry 13-inch MacBook Air of today is known as 'MD760LL/A,' while this week's refreshed version is known as 'MD760LL/B.' It's unclear if Apple will even promote the updated Airs," 9to5Mac.com reported.

"I am not recommending the MacBook Air over the competition, merely pointing out how it stacks up against similarly priced laptops in the ultraportable segment," Kendrick wrote. "Those wanting a very mobile system with good performance, that has the ability to run virtually any app available, will be hard-pressed to find another laptop at a similar price point. Believe it or not, when you start looking at laptops as powerful and portable as the MacBook Air, you can easily get up around the $2,000 range."

"Finally, it's worth noting that the MacBook Air hasn't seen a major redesign since the fall of 2010," CNet reported. "But that could change later this year. KGI Securities, NPD DisplaySearch, and others have gotten wind of an all-new, MacBook Air that's even thinner and boasts a 12-inch Retina display."

Apple is rumored to be all ready to introduce a new version of the MacBook Air in the very near future – as in Tuesday – and the new model is said to have a faster core processor but retain the same design.